The Writer 

The Minor in Writing program at the University of Michigan, requires the students to write two refelctive essays on their identities as writers. The first essay, "Why I Write", is written as the first assignment of the program, and the second essay, "Writer's Evolution", is written during the last class of the program. When debating whether or not to join the program, it was these two writing assignments that gave me pause. Hadn't I written enough pointless essays during my academic career? Did I really need to write not one, but two essays on who I am as a writer? Not only did these assignments seem pointless, but they seemed daunting. Why I write was something I hadn't given much thought to. How had my life as a writer evolved if I hadn't really considered myself to be a writer? I thought I just enjoyed writing...

 

I am grateful that I joined the program, despite these qualms, because my "Why I Write" and "Writer's Evolution" essays have been two of the most important pieces in my development as a thinker and a writer. They have helped me to better understand myself and they have helped to shape my identity. 

 

Too often we do things, and don't ask why. People have dedicated their entire careers to areas where they never truly investigate their most inner and authentic motivations, desires, and passions. Reflecting on my identity as a writer has allowed me to embrace my identity as a writer. So I hope you enjoy reading the two essays that got me here.